Very kind people. Make sure you watch your children and personal belongings like a hawk here.read more

Manna House provides food, nourishment, and prayer services to those in need in Huntsville, Madison…read moreCounty, and beyond. People from all walk of life comes through here and Fran, the founder, is an absolute angel in the work that she does. They always need volunteers, so if you can, reach out to them and see how you can help.

ABOUT First Stop is…read morea non-profit 501(c)(3) grant-based organization dedicated in helping Madison County's homeless folks transition into self-sufficient productive lives. They have a 4-Tier approach in dealing w the local homeless, particularly the street chronic homeless folks - those that have been homeless for a very long time, each w their very own stories, disabilities, and mental health disabilities. This 4-Tier program includes outreach care where they locate homeless persons in the camps and nearby tent cities, and they attempt to interest the homeless to their day center for expanded care. First Stop provides basic services each weekday in their day center where people can eat, take showers, and wash their clothes. First Stop also provides case-management services in providing linkage to community services like mental health, health care, and substance abuse, while engaging the homeless to access benefits and other services as needed. Their long term solution is to transition each street homeless person to permanent housing and re-entry into a self sufficient and productive life. This is their 4-Tier program in a nutshell. HISTORY I won't rewrite the interesting details here, but you can refer to their website for how First Stop got started. http://www.firststopinc.org MEALS The meals that are served here are often brought in by local churches, businesses, and individuals who support the goal of ending the homeless situation in our County. So far, breakfast is served every morning Monday thru Friday, as well as lunch on Wednesdays. BEING THE HANDS AND FEET In an effort to get back into volunteering in the community, I found out about this place through my church's Small Groups Summer Session. We show up every Wednesday afternoon just before they have Bible Study (12 noon). And while the homeless are getting fed the Word, we're either in the kitchen helping prepare their lunch, sitting with them, and/or helping out where ever the need is. Volunteering on Wednesdays usually consists of being in the kitchen preparing food, serving the food, being present w those in need, and quite frankly being the hands and feet of Christ to the hungry, homeless, hurting and lost. It's been a blessing beyond words to give even a little of our time, energy, and resources to help others in our community. It's amazing to hear some of their stories too. I met one gal in the program who is an Electrical Engineer. She is on her merry way back to the workforce! And if you think of it in the grand scheme of things, we're all just one or two steps away from being in their position of homelessness. So being present w these folks, in my experience, can be quite humbling which puts things in perspective. It also causes me to count my blessings and appreciate what I often take for granted on a daily basis - roof over my head, food on the table, constant love and support of family and friends, and the unconditional love and forgiveness from God. So why not share that love w others? That's where I'm at with this, and I'm grateful for the opportunity here to live that out in helping feed the poor and to offer an encouraging word, hug, and listening ear to those in need. Sure the needs go beyond that, but this is a good start to being a bridge to the other blessings ahead for them. STAFF The staff members at First Stop from the executive director, Tashaunda, to the case managers Jody, Warren, Natasha, and the rest of the team, are super friendly, approachable, and always so appreciative of those who help out here. There's no question that's out of the question, or no topic they're not willing to discuss further w you. They're schedules are busy, but their hearts are bigger. And you'll know that immediately when you meet them. HAVE A NEED? KNOW OF A NEED? First Stop is a great cause and mission to support. If ever you're in a position of need or know of some one in need, their doors are open to you. MORE? LET's TOUR! If you're interested in finding out more, or would like to volunteer some of your time, interested in becoming a sponsor, or would like to donate food or goods, the staff here would be happy to answer any of your questions and schedule you to come in for a tour. I can also forward you their current list of needs in a PDF. HOURS OF OPERATION (detailed): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00am to 4:00pm (3:30pm close for client services/3:30pm to 4:00pm is staff paperwork/meetings) Wednesday: 8:00am to 12:00pm (12:00pm to 1:30pm is Bible study for all that want to attend; it's not mandatory but the doors are locked during this time until service is over) 1:30pm to 4:00pm (3:30pm to 4:00pm is staff paperwork/meetings) Friday: 8:00am to 12:00pm (staff meetings and home visits) CLOSING Get involved in volunteering here or find a non-profit organization near you to support. You won't regret it! The blessings are often 3-fold. ;)

This is First Stop it helps out the homeless people in Huntsville Alabama it's awesomeread more

Christmas Charities is an excellent local nonprofit that serves Madison County, Alabama and…read moreHuntsville City Schools including programs that help with basic living needs year round, and Christmas gifts, at zero costs to the recipients of the goods and services. CCYR provides clothing, school supplies and assistive technology medical equipment and toys and gifts to children, families and seniors during the Christmas season. The requirement to benefit from these goods and services is to be "at or below the area median income or in emergent need." They are now located at 1035 Putman Drive, Site D1, Huntsville, Alabama 35816. CCYR was founded in 1949 in response to the boll weevil infestation that devastated the cotton cops in the area. My experience with Christmas Charities Year Round began as a little girl when my family would go to the CCYR warehouse and ask how we could donate our time and energy. We filled out an index card with our contact information and every year around Thanksgiving, we would complete a volunteer service for CCYR. We did things such as clean, organize, and pack children's plastic tea sets, so each recipient would receive a matching tea set in great condition! We did the same with puzzles and board games, matching up the missing pieces to make a "good as new" set for a child to receive. Later, we refreshed used stuffed animals, washing each one, replacing missing eyes, and placing fresh ribbons around their necks. Reading their website, it looks like their acceptable donated items have changed over time (they don't accept used stuffed animals anymore) and perhaps their volunteer opportunities have also, although the website does encourage volunteering by contacting them. I highly recommend volunteering with Christmas Charities in whatever capacity you are able because it is truly rewarding, is extremely low out of pocket cost, is such an excellent cause, and benefits so many deserving residents in Madison County, Alabama!

March 2, 2025 This…read morewill be review number, Maestro or Maestra a few notes on the piano if you please, Two, Yee, for a Food Bank in town Huntsville (Madison County), Alabama! I believe Alabama is Yellow Hammer State! No matter what town, what state, any Food Bank that I write to, any Salvation Army Corps that I write to, glad my donations of artwork, my donations of grocery coupons from Sunday newspapers, my donations of cash, is used to help the children in that town, in that state! For this situation, it will be the children of Huntsville, Alabama! My way to think, children need help all twelve months of the year, not just November and not just December! Here are some ideas I may draw and send to this Food Bank! Since a Yellow Hammer is some kind of bird, I know is the state bird! Perfect chirping idea to help children with gifts of love to hometown Food Bank OR Perfect chirping idea to help children with gifts of love to hometown Salvation Army! Dogs Being a best friend to children by helping hometown Food Bank OR Being a best friend to children by helping hometown Salvation Army! Knowing at one time Alabama had lots of protests about a certain bridge and prejudice, hope by now that is all over, done with! Bridging the difference of hunger in children with gifts of love to hometown Food Bank OR Bridging the difference of children in hunger with gifts of love to hometown Salvation Army! Thank you to Pamela M, a Local Person of Huntsville, Alabama, for helping me to find this page! Glad to help the children of your hometown Huntsville, Alabama!

Great organization helping feed our community's most vulnerable population. Innovative programs…read morehelping local farmers and promoting sustainable food sources. Just a first rate nonprofit doing it right.

I volunteered at the ReStore back in the late 90s. It seemed better organized back them and it was…read moresmaller. Its original location was further west on University Drive. The Pratt Avenue has expanded since I volunteered there. Don't go here if you are looking for books, they do not have many at all. I didn't see many, if any, items "new in box." A lot of the various areas are roped off with "do not enter" signs and some items were marked "not for sale." I do love the ReStore mission of providing an "environmentally and socially responsible way to keep good, reusable materials out of the waste stream while providing funding for Habitat's community improvement work." I found the layout of the store confusing and the donation process awkward. They really could improve the signage regardkng this. You pull around to the back, offload your items yourself, and search for a staff person to give you a receipt. Most places just hand you a blank receipt, ReStore has you complete a paper providing your name, address, email, phone number, list of items, and sign it. While you are offloading donation items a motion detector [I assume] security camera goes off and states "you are being watched," which is a little unnerving. When I updated my rental townhouse, I found a lot of great buys in terms of lighting sconces for my rental at ReStore, all at good prices. This week, I was looking for a round table and lighting and did end up buying one fixture for $5.00. Their round table selection was lacking. This is the kind of place you will need to continuously check for items you are looking for. Do know most items are not marked with a price. They stock everything from hand sanitizer, light bulbs, old style office desks [think high school principal wooden desk back in the day], sofas, small selection of framed art, kitchen cabinets, tile, light fixtures and ceiling fans, box fans, 4 drawer filing cabinets, card tables, doors, commodes, sinks, bed frames, and more. They accept donations up to 1 hour prior to closing. The Decatur ReStore is worth a visit, too.

The donation pick up team was friendly and professional.it is nice that you can schedule a truck to…read morecome pick up items you are donating.

One of the most iconic places in huntsville. This is one of the longest running makerspaces in the…read moreUS. Their membership is easy to join and their equipment is very helpful to someone starting out with DIY projects. The members here are the best part, plenty of folks willing to answer technical questions and offer teaching opportunities.

These wonderful people offered a class for senior citizens (old people, not old dogs ). I am really…read morelearning a lot about how to handle the large dog I'm caring for while her military family is serving where they could not take her. I'm very thankful for the caring environment and the generosity of these lovely people and their big hearts. I highly recommend this organization. They don't judge, they just help.

HKR&T is an organization run by 2 incredible ladies who dedicate their lives to saving dogs who are…read moreotherwise high-risk of euthanasia if left at an animal shelter. They are very talented dog trainers and absolutely love what they do. They offer training classes that are extremely informative. I have adopted a dog from them a few months ago and they provide such a great support system for their adopters and really do go above and beyond for the welfare and safety for all. I would definitely adopt from them again.

This is a hidden gem for consignment quality, very inexpensive finds of home decor, clothing for…read moreall ages, accessories, craft supplies, and more. And that's the surface level before you hear about this shop's mission of providing jobs to people with special needs and raising money for an all-abilities playground. The organization leaders and store managers are kind and mission-driven, and you can tell by the quality of items and beyond-fair prices. It's a bit off the beaten path from the commercial thoroughfare but not by much and absolutely worth a visit.

Everyday Sunshine is my favorite thrift store by far. Highly recommend. The people are awesome, and…read morethey're making a real difference with their mission. The merchandise is excellent, and it's a fun place to shop. For a special occasion, I bought a really cute outfit here, complete with shoes and accessories!